Written by Tim Olynik: Athletics and Recreation Specialist
With a championship pedigree and a belief that great programs begin with great relationships, Konrad Plante takes the helm of Lightning Men’s Volleyball.
Before the first serve, before the first victory, and before the first group of athletes pulls on a Lightning jersey, Konrad Plante knows there’s something more important to build.
A culture.
St. Mary’s University is proud to announce the appointment of Plante as the inaugural Head Coach of Lightning Men’s Volleyball, bringing decades of coaching experience, championship success, and a proven ability to develop competitive programs to one of the newest chapters in Lightning Athletics history.
The Lightning are preparing to launch men’s and women’s volleyball for the 2027–28 season, pending approval from the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).
For Plante, the opportunity represents a chance to build something meaningful from the ground up.
“I’m excited to bring my passion and experience to St. Mary’s University. My vision is to build a competitive volleyball program with a sustainable culture of excellence, where athletes challenge themselves, support one another, and take pride in representing their university. I believe lasting success comes from developing strong relationships, building character, and creating an environment where hard work, accountability, and a genuine love for the game drive everything we do—both on and off the court.”
It’s a philosophy shaped by a coaching career that began in Manitoba in 1997 and has taken Plante through some of Alberta’s most established collegiate volleyball programs.
At Mount Royal University, Plante served as an assistant coach during the Cougars’ 2011–12 ACAC championship season, which also produced a national bronze medal. He later helped guide SAIT to consecutive ACAC bronze medals in 2013 and 2014.
But perhaps his most relevant experience comes from Keyano College, where he helped transform a struggling volleyball program into a conference contender. Under his leadership, the Huskies improved from a 4–14 record to 13–5 and reached the ACAC semifinals.
That experience of building a program, establishing expectations, and developing a competitive identity will be invaluable as St. Mary’s prepares for its inaugural season.
For Lightning Athletics, attracting a coach with Plante’s experience represents a significant step toward establishing a sustainable volleyball program. Athletics leadership points to his extensive knowledge of the ACAC, his experience developing programs from the ground up, and his commitment to student-athletes as qualities that make him an ideal choice to lead the new team.
Originally from Brandon, Manitoba, Plante brings more than volleyball experience to St. Mary’s. Having recently retired from a career in education, he understands the importance of supporting student-athletes beyond the court. His coaching philosophy emphasizes relationships, personal growth, and creating an environment where athletes feel valued as individuals.
For Plante, building a successful team starts with making those connections. When athletes know their coach is invested in their development as people, he believes they’re more likely to invest in one another and the program they represent.
That approach will be particularly important as the Lightning begin assembling their first roster.
Plante’s immediate priorities include connecting with high school and club programs, identifying prospective student-athletes, and introducing the opportunities available at St. Mary’s to volleyball players throughout Calgary and beyond.
The goal is to establish more than a competitive team for one season. It’s to create a program that athletes are proud to join, a community that supports them, and a foundation that future generations of Lightning players can build upon.
For a coach who has spent much of his career helping athletes and programs reach new heights, the opportunity to start something entirely new is a fitting next challenge.
And for Lightning Athletics, it’s an exciting first step toward bringing volleyball to St. Mary’s.
Be Part of the First Generation of Lightning Volleyball
St. Mary’s University is actively recruiting prospective student-athletes for its inaugural men’s volleyball program, with competition planned for the 2027–28 season, pending ACAC approval.
Athletes interested in joining the Lightning and helping build the program from the ground up are encouraged to contact:
Men’s Volleyball Recruiting: mvb@stmu.ca
Be part of the beginning. #StormTheCourt